Cairo 2025: Tan Yujiao ready to embrace new challenges

With three Paralympic gold medals and multiple world records, Tan Yujiao has redefined strength and courage over the past decade. Her resilience and relentless drive to improve herself have been the hallmark of her performances.

The Chinese powerlifting star, already a four-time world champion, now turns her focus to the Cairo 2025 World Championships, arriving with renewed determination and as one of the top favourites.

The Championships – the first Worlds to take place in Egypt and Africa – will be her second event since her record-breaking show at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games – Yujiao improved her own world record with a 142kg powerlift amid to thunderous cheers at La Chapelle Arena in Paris.

This time, however, the ever-smiling lifter will take on a fresh challenge — competing in a new weight category, the women’s up to 73kg division. 

“Every competition is a new challenge. Even though I've already won four World Championships, I'm still looking forward to achieving new heights. I know there are some excellent and respectable new opponents in this weight class (women’s up to 73kg), but my form has also improved since I gained weight, so I'm really looking forward to competing against them,” Yujao said ahead of the competition.

While the Chinese Para powerlifting icon expressed her excitement about competing in an African nation for the first time, she also highlighted the hard work and preparation she has put in for the Championships. 

“I've been training very hard — specific training, conditioning, muscle strength, and technique. I've tried to maintain a consistent sleep and rest schedule to keep myself in my top physical condition,” said Yujiao, who began powerlifting at the age of 12.

Just flawless… 🇨🇳🥇

It’s the appropriate moment to remember Tan’s gold from Tokyo 2020. On top of that, she has another gold from Rio and a silver dating back to London.

Can we call her the GOAT OF women’s up to 67kg category? 🐐@Paralympics | @Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/XUDugjMQ1t

— Para Powerlifting (@Powerlifting) September 6, 2024

Paris momentum

For someone who has been undefeated at a major international competition since her debut at the London 2012 Paralympic Games, where she took the silver, the 34-year-old lifter continues to push herself to excel in every event.

She did it in Paris 2024 recently and aims to continue with that momentum in Cairo where she faces a new challenge - top stars in the women’s -73kg category including Paris 2024 gold medallist Brazilian Mariana D'Andrea and Nigeria’s Kafila Almaruf, the reigning world champion and world record holder in the category at 151kg.

D’Andrea, a two-time Paralympic champion, won her first world title at Dubai 2023 –bettering her own world record by five kilograms before winning the women’s up to 79 kg gold. She had been a silver medallist in the women’s -73kg and will be eager to improve the colour of her medal this time around. 

Yujiao, however, is approaching her sixth World Championships with confidence.

“I had injuries in the past, but this [Paris] gold medal is proof to the world that I still can do it," she had said after winning her third Paralympic gold.  

“It was an unforgettable and thrilling moment. Not only did I showcase my abilities to the world and bring honour to my country, but I also achieved a perfect milestone in my life. That shining moment was truly amazing! These achievements also inspire me to continue moving forward on my sports path and explore more possibilities!”

🗓️Year in review: Ten world records fall in an unforgettable season🏋🏽‍♀️✨

Half of the 20 Para powerlifting weight categories saw world records fall in an unforgettable 2024 season. Eight of the new world records were set at #Paris2024.

🔗https://t.co/ImriSsGPbV@Paralympics

— Para Powerlifting (@Powerlifting) December 18, 2024

More than a triumph

The Paris 2024 Games were memorable for more than just her gold-medal triumph. They also marked a turning point in her career beyond the field of play. 

On the very same day she stood atop the podium, Yujiao was elected to the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Athletes’ Council and also began serving as the IPC’s representative on the WADA Athletes’ Council.

“This marked the beginning of my journey as an athlete representative,” she reflected. 

“Travelling to Germany to the IPC headquarters and to Switzerland for meetings, I learned about the Paralympic Movement’s vision, the latest developments in our sport, the work of the global anti-doping community, and most importantly, how to truly represent athletes.”

Now, with her usual humility and determination, the Chinese powerlifting star understands the responsibility that comes with her new role. Her goal is simple — to keep improving, keep learning, and to truly be a voice for athletes around the world. 

“I have a vast community of Paralympic athletes behind me, which gives me a great sense of responsibility. I need to continuously learn and hone my skills to better listen to the voices of the athletes. This year, I also enrolled in a master's program at Shanghai University of Sport, where I hope to continue to improve myself. Overall, the year since the Paris Paralympic Games has been busy, fulfilling, and exciting.”

LA 2028

Looking ahead to the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games, Yujiao also shared her plans and preparations as she aims to compete in her fifth Paralympic Games. 

She feels in strong shape and is determined to follow in the footsteps of her coach, Zhang Haidong, by aiming for four consecutive Paralympic gold medals. “

“Of course, I know it won't be easy – it will be a challenging journey, but I will do my best. 

“The most radiant crown always belongs to the one who works the hardest, is the strongest, the most powerful, and the most fortunate. I hope I'll be that person,” she hoped.

But before that, her focus is firmly set on Cairo.

“This will be a tough competition, but I will give my best and aim to break the world record at this new level,” she concluded.